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Tom Brady's top target was methodical last season returning from back surgery and multiple procedures on his left forearm. Freeman was told Gronkowski is prepared to "take more time, and be more patient than ever before."

Can you blame him? Gronk's early career has been derailed by a laundry list of serious injuries, with back-to-back offseasons consumed by strenuous rehabs. On the field, he's one of history's premier playmakers at his position, but the Patriots can't count on his talents out of the gate come September.

Gronkowski is a strong candidate to open the year on the physically unable to perform list, while New England has emerged as a logical target to unearthnew talent at tight end in next month's draft.